Georgia Tech Appoints New Professional Education Executive Leadership Team

Georgia Tech Professional Education starts 2013 with focus on curriculum, technology, and business operation advancements.

Posted January 29, 2013 | Atlanta, GA

Georgia Tech has recently announced the appointment of a new executive leadership team for Georgia Tech Professional Education. Four scholars and education professionals, under the leadership of Dr. Nelson Baker, will lead the Institute’s global Professional Education programs and initiatives. The appointments complement Georgia Tech’s mission to be leaders in improving the human condition in Georgia, the United States, and around the globe.

“Georgia Tech Professional Education seeks to define and be the 21st century transformational leader in professional education,” said Baker, dean of Georgia Tech Professional Education. “The executive team will define new ways to meet global industry needs, and apply cutting-edge research to aid in the education for individuals of multiple generations and their employers.”

In addition to Baker, the Georgia Tech Professional Education executive leadership team is comprised of:

Diane Lee, director of development and interim director of Georgia Tech-Savannah

Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Affairs

Dr. Leo Mark leads Georgia Tech Professional Education as the new associate dean for academic programs and student affairs. Through this position, he collaborates with faculty and the Georgia Tech community to develop world class academic professional education programs. He also serves as a voice for students enrolled in the division's programs, and oversees all academic offerings including professional master’s degrees, the Georgia Tech Language Institute, and student affairs.

A familiar face within the Georgia Tech community, Mark has been an associate professor in Georgia Tech’s College of Computing (CoC) since 1992. Prior to joining the Institute, he taught at Aarhus University in Denmark, the University of Maryland, and worked with many private companies. Mark earned both his M.S. and Ph.D. from Aarhus University in Denmark.

Assistant Dean of Business Operations

Patrice Miles is the newly appointed assistant dean of business operations. Miles works hand in hand with Professional Education's executive team to align the division's strategic business objectives for academic programs, while creating and sustaining effective processes to support superior customer service. She oversees and manages the business/finance, communications, human resources, IT, marketing, operations, and space rental sales departments. Additionally, Miles collaborates with campus leaders and faculty members to develop new business models to drive the expansion and growth of Professional Education programs.

Miles most recently served as the director of marketing and sales for Professional Education from 2007-2012. Before joining Georgia Tech, she had a successful career of more than 20 years with Delta Air Lines serving as their vice president of consumer marketing. Miles graduated with a B.A. from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with additional course work at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Va.

Associate Dean of Learning Systems

Dr. Mark Weston has been appointed the associate dean of learning systems. His responsibilities include developing and implementing technological solutions and learning management systems to create a better environment for students and industry partners – whether in the classroom, online, or in a blended format. He directs the division's online, instructional design, registration, educational logistics, and new program development departments.

Previously, Weston served as the global education strategist for Dell, Inc., and was the senior national manager for strategic educational initiatives at Apple, Inc. In addition, he has worked with many governmental agencies including the Education Commission of the States, United States Department of Education, and the United States House of Representatives. Weston has taught at the University of Colorado-Denver and at Long Island University. He earned a B.S.S. from Cornell College, M.S.E. from Drake University, and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado-Denver (UCD).

Director of Development & Interim Director of Georgia Tech-Savannah

Diane Lee has been appointed interim director of the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus, the Institute’s newest focal point for professional education curriculum. As interim director, Lee is charged with handling campus operations, while working closely with community and business leaders to assess the educational needs of Coastal Georgia and surrounding regions. Lee is also responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy for Georgia Tech Professional Education, including oversight of philanthropy, business development, community relations, alumni relations, board development, and corporate relations. She has been with Georgia Tech since 2007.

Before joining Georgia Tech, Lee worked in senior leadership and fundraising capacities for healthcare, non-profit, and Fortune 50 companies. She has an extensive background in strategic planning, business development, acquisitions, and finance.